Electrode manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing electrode using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a method of manufacturing an electrode using the same. The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a rolling part configured to roll an electrode plate, a roundness measuring part on the rolling part, the roundness measuring part being configured to measure a roundness of each of a pair of rolling rollers of the rolling part, a thickness measuring part behind the rolling part, the thickness measuring part being configured to measure a thickness of the electrode plate, and a distance adjusting part configured to compare a measurement value of the thickness measuring part with a measurement value of the roundness measuring part to adjust a distance between the pair of rolling rollers. According to the present disclosure, when a rolling process for increasing a density of a coated portion after coating is performed, since the roundness of each of the rolling rollers is measured in advance, and the gap between the rolling rollers can be accurately and repeatedly controlled over time based on a profile generated in combination with the thickness measurement data of the electrode plate, the degree of dispersion of the electrode plate can be minimized, so that the density level can be increased and homogenized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing electrodes using the electrode manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, with the rapid supply of battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density and capacity has recently increased dramatically. Accordingly, research and development to improve the performance of lithium rechargeable batteries are actively underway.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode containing active materials capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, as well as an electrolyte, and generates electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are intercalated / deintercalated at the positive and negative electrodes.

[0004] A thin metal film (foil) formed of aluminum or copper is coated with an electrode material capable of transferring electrons to manufacture a secondary battery, including lithium-ion batteries. The electrodes of the secondary battery include uncoated portions that are not coated with electrode material, and these uncoated portions serve as terminals. That is, the electrodes include uncoated portions and coated portions. In the uncoated portions, the foil is not coated with electrode material, and in the coated portions, the foil is coated with electrode material.

[0005] The information disclosed above in this background section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment includes an electrode manufacturing apparatus comprising: a rolling section configured to roll an electrode plate; a roundness measuring section on the rolling section configured to measure the roundness of each of a pair of rolling rollers; a thickness measuring section located behind the rolling section configured to measure the thickness of the electrode plate; and a distance adjusting section configured to compare the measured values ​​of the thickness measuring section and the roundness measuring section to adjust the distance between the pair of rolling rollers.

[0007] The roundness measuring unit may include multiple displacement sensors; and the multiple displacement sensors may be oriented toward the roll gap between the pair of rolls.

[0008] The plurality of displacement sensors may be installed on the left, center and right sides of each of the pair of pressure rollers in their longitudinal direction.

[0009] The roundness measuring unit may include an encoder configured to measure the position of each of the pair of pressure rollers in its circumferential direction.

[0010] The thickness measuring unit may include: a measuring roller supporting the lower portion of the electrode plate, the measuring roller being configured to guide the electrode plate; and a thickness sensor above the measuring roller, the thickness sensor being configured to measure the thickness of multiple regions of the electrode plate in the width direction of the electrode plate.

[0011] The thickness sensor can move in the width direction of the electrode plate.

[0012] The distance adjustment unit may include: an upper driver configured to control the position of the upper roller of the pair of rollers; a lower driver configured to control the position of the lower roller of the pair of rollers; and a controller configured to match the measured value of the thickness measuring unit with the measured value of the roundness measuring unit to control the upper driver and the lower driver.

[0013] The distance adjustment unit may further include: a housing; a first extrusion frame that can move vertically within the housing, wherein the upper pressure roller can rotate on the first extrusion frame; and a second extrusion frame located below the first extrusion frame, wherein the lower pressure roller can rotate on the second extrusion frame.

[0014] The upper drive may include a screw connected to the first extrusion frame to move the first extrusion frame to change the position of the upper pressure roller.

[0015] The lower driver may include an extrusion cylinder connected to the second extrusion frame to move the second extrusion frame to change the position of the lower pressure roller.

[0016] The distance adjustment unit may further include a bending correction unit configured to adjust the bending of the upper pressure roller and the lower pressure roller.

[0017] The bending correction section can be located on both edges of the upper pressure roller and both edges of the lower pressure roller, and the bending correction section is configured to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of each of the upper pressure roller and the lower pressure roller.

[0018] The bending correction unit may include: a first reverse pressure frame on the edge of the upper roller; a first reverse pressure cylinder between the first reverse pressure frame and the housing, the first reverse pressure cylinder being configured to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of the upper driver; a second reverse pressure frame on the edge of the lower roller; and a second reverse pressure cylinder between the second reverse pressure frame and the housing, the second reverse pressure cylinder being configured to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of the lower driver.

[0019] The bending correction unit may include: a first reverse pressure frame on the edge of the upper pressure roller; a second reverse pressure frame on the edge of the lower pressure roller; and a reverse pressure cylinder between the first reverse pressure frame and the second reverse pressure frame, the reverse pressure cylinder being configured to provide extrusion force to the first reverse pressure frame and the second reverse pressure frame in opposite directions.

[0020] An embodiment includes a method for manufacturing an electrode, the method comprising: measuring the roundness of a pressing roller; pressing an electrode plate with the pressing roller to obtain a pressed electrode plate; measuring the thickness of the pressed electrode plate; comparing the thickness measurement of the pressed electrode plate with the roundness measurement of the pressing roller; and, after comparing the thickness measurement of the pressed electrode plate with the roundness measurement of the pressing roller, adjusting the gap of the pressing roller based on matching data of the thickness measurement of the pressed electrode plate and the roundness measurement of the pressing roller.

[0021] The thickness of the electrode plate used to measure the roller can be synchronized with the zero-point trigger signal of the encoder of the roller.

[0022] Measuring the thickness of the rolled electrode plate includes: dividing the rolled electrode plate into multiple regions in the width direction; measuring the thickness value in each of the multiple regions; and measuring the difference between the average thickness value in the edge regions of the multiple regions of the rolled electrode plate and the average thickness value in the center region of the multiple regions of the rolled electrode plate.

[0023] Adjusting the gap between the pressure rollers may include bending the pressure rollers based on the matching data.

[0024] Bending the press roll may include applying a force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the press roll to bend the press roll into a crown shape.

[0025] Bending the roller may further include: pressing the roller toward the electrode plate by a driver at both edges of the roller; and providing hydraulic pressure in the opposite direction to the pressing direction of the driver by a reverse pressure cylinder outside the driver.

[0026] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the rolling section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the rolling section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a view used to illustrate thickness measurement of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the bending operation of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the bending correction section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a view used to illustrate the changes in the shape of an electrode plate manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a configuration diagram of a method for manufacturing electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0037] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0039] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intervening layer may be present. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "below" another layer, it may be directly below the other layer, or one or more intervening layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between two layers," it may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0040] In this document, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is capable of being his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms and concepts.

[0041] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0042] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly linked to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0043] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following it, not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from A, B, and C” are used to indicate a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any one of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations or subsets of them, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms, not as terms of degree, and are intended to describe inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, areas, layers, or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or segment from another element, component, area, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, area, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or segment.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, when the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will then be oriented “above” or “above” those elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be positioned in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “a” is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and inclusive of both), i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly describe any subranges contained within the scope explicitly described herein.

[0048] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, it can mean that it is consistent in terms of the mean.

[0049] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0050] When any element is referred to as being positioned (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, it may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be located between the component and any element positioned (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another component, these components may be directly "connected," "linked," or "attached" to each other, or one or more intermediary components may exist between them, through which the component may be "connected," "linked," or "attached" to the other component. Additionally, when a part is referred to as "electrically connected" to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or one or more intermediary components may exist between them, allowing the part and the other part to be indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, the phrase "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any one or all of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, the phrase "C to D" means C and below D.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view illustrating the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the rolling section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the rolling section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The electrode manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rolling section 200 and a roundness measuring section 300 (see...). Figure 8 ), thickness measuring unit 400 and distance adjustment unit 500.

[0055] The electrode plate 20 can be a current collector in the form of a sheet, film, or metal foil, including a metallic material such as copper. The coating agent is a material that coats the sheet and forms a layer with a predetermined thickness; for example, it can be an electrode active material for a positive or negative electrode.

[0056] When a sheet is coated with an electrode active material such as a coating agent, the sheet can be divided into a coated portion and an uncoated portion. The coated portion is the part coated with the electrode active material, and the uncoated portion is the part not coated with the coating agent.

[0057] The electrode plate 20 can be conveyed by the conveying unit 100. The conveying unit 100 may include an unwinder unit 110 and a winder unit 120.

[0058] The unwinder unit 110 and the winder unit 120 can be arranged sequentially in the transport direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the electrode plate 20. The unwinder unit 110 and the winder unit 120 can be synchronized with each other and rotate in the same direction.

[0059] The electrode plate 20 can be wound onto the unwinder unit 110, and the unwinder unit 110 can rotate to supply the electrode plate 20. The winding unit 120 can wind the electrode plate 20. Specifically, the winding unit 120 can wind the electrode plate 20 that has been rolled by the rolling section 200.

[0060] In this embodiment, a plurality of guide rollers 130 may be provided between the unwinder unit 110 and the winder unit 120.

[0061] The guide roller 130 can be used as a component for conveying the electrode plate 20, and the electrode plate 20 can be conveyed while maintaining a predetermined tension through its arrangement.

[0062] The roll forming section 200 can be used as a component of the roll forming electrode plate 20.

[0063] The rolling section 200 can be located between the unwinder unit 110 and the winder unit 120 to roll the electrode plate 20 that moves from the unwinder unit 110 toward the winder unit 120.

[0064] The roller pressing section 200 presses the electrode plate 20, which has been coated with active material, dried, and conveyed in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The roller pressing section 200 may include a roller pressing roller 210 disposed on and below the electrode plate 20 and providing roller pressure to the electrode plate 20.

[0065] The pressure rollers 210 are provided as a pair of pressure rollers 210. More specifically, the pressure rollers 210 include an upper pressure roller 212 (e.g., in...). Figure 1 The orientation is above the electrode plate 20) and the lower roller 214 is configured to face the upper roller 212 (e.g., below the electrode plate 20).

[0066] Specifically, the pressure roller 210 can be disposed on or below the electrode plate 20 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the electrode plate 20 (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0067] Each roller 210 can be formed in any shape of various types, such as a rod or column shape extending in the width direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) of the electrode plate 20. According to an embodiment, the rollers 210 can be formed as a pair of cylindrical rollers 210, and the pair of rollers 210 can rotate about a rotation center to move the electrode plate 20 disposed between the pair of rollers 210 and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rollers 210 in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0068] In addition, as described above, the pressure roller 210 can move the electrode plate 20 while pressing the electrode plate 20 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0069] Roundness measuring unit 300 (see Figure 8 It can be used as a component to provide the roundness of each of a pair of rollers 210 on the roller pressing section 200.

[0070] As an example, the roundness measurement unit 300 may include a plurality of displacement sensors 310 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 Furthermore, the displacement sensor 310 can provide the roll gap facing the roll 210.

[0071] Multiple displacement sensors 310 can be positioned above the upper pressure roller 212 and below the lower pressure roller 214.

[0072] The displacement sensor 310 can be installed on the left, center, and right sides of the roller 210 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). This is to measure the roundness of the center portion and each of the two edges of the roller 210.

[0073] The displacement sensor 310 measures whether the roller 210 is close to a perfect circular shape, and can be provided as a precision measuring device, such as a laser sensor or a contact sensor, which scans or measures the surface of the roller 210 to collect roundness data to obtain a roundness profile.

[0074] The roundness measuring unit 300 may include an encoder 320 configured to measure the position of the pressure roller 210 in the circumferential direction. The encoder 320 can acquire data with each rotation of the pressure roller 210, and the roundness profile can be matched with the thickness profile of the electrode plate 20, as will be described below.

[0075] The thickness measuring unit 400 can be used as a component that measures the thickness of the electrode plate 20 located behind the rolling section 200 (e.g., further away from the rolling section 200 in the positive X-axis direction). As an example, the thickness measuring unit 400 may include a measuring roller 410 and a thickness sensor 420, the measuring roller 410 supporting the lower portion of the electrode plate 20 to guide the electrode plate 20, and the thickness sensor 420 positioned above the measuring roller 410 and measuring the thickness of the electrode plate 20 in the width direction.

[0076] The thickness sensor 420 can be mounted above the measuring roller 410 to be movable in the left-right direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). The thickness sensor 420 can move in the left-right direction while measuring the thickness of the electrode plate 20 in the width direction to obtain a thickness profile, and can transmit the thickness profile to the controller 540, which will be described below.

[0077] The thickness measurement of the electrode plate 20 performed by the thickness sensor 420 can be synchronized with the zero-point trigger signal of the encoder 320.

[0078] This is to ensure that the roundness profile of the roller 210 is accurately matched with the thickness profile of the electrode plate 20 with each rotation.

[0079] In this embodiment, the thickness sensor 420 is exemplified to be mounted above the measuring roller 410 so that it can move in the left-right direction. However, the thickness sensor 420 can be provided as a plurality of thickness sensors 420 at the left, center and right sides of the measuring roller 410 (e.g., along the Y-axis direction) to measure the thickness at each location.

[0080] Figure 5 This is a view used to describe the thickness measurement of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 The thickness measurement is described in detail. The electrode plate can be divided into multiple regions along its width, and the thickness value in each region can be measured. Furthermore, the difference between the average thickness value in the edge regions (e.g., the leftmost and rightmost) of the electrode plate and the average thickness value in the central region of the electrode plate can be measured. For example, an electrode plate 20 with a length of 60 mm can be virtually divided into ten regions, and the thickness value in each region can be obtained. The thickness profile can be obtained by measuring the difference between the average thickness values ​​in the first and second regions at the left edge, and the ninth and tenth regions at the right edge, and the average thickness values ​​in the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth regions at the center.

[0082] The distance adjustment unit 500 can be used as a component to adjust the distance between the pressure rollers 210 by comparing the measured value of the thickness measuring unit 400 with the measured value of the roundness measuring unit 300.

[0083] As an example, the distance adjustment unit 500 may include: an upper driver 522 configured to control the position of the upper roller 212 of the roller pressure roller 210; a lower driver 524 configured to control the position of the lower roller 214 of the roller pressure roller 210; and a controller 540 configured to match the measurement value of the thickness measuring unit 400 with the measurement value of the roundness measuring unit 300 to control the upper driver 522 and the lower driver 524.

[0084] Distance adjustment unit 500 may include housing 510 (see Figure 6 Furthermore, the housing 510 can be used as a component to support the upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214.

[0085] Additionally, the distance adjustment unit 500 may include: a first extrusion frame 532, which is vertically movable within the housing 510 (e.g., vertically movable within the housing 510), and an upper pressure roller 212, which is rotatably provided within the first extrusion frame 532 (e.g., the upper pressure roller 212 is rotatable on the first extrusion frame 532); and a second extrusion frame 534, which is provided below the first extrusion frame 532, and a lower pressure roller 214, which is rotatably provided within the second extrusion frame 534 (e.g., the lower pressure roller 214 is rotatable on the second extrusion frame 534).

[0086] The upper pressure roller 212 and the first extrusion frame 532 are connected and rotatably linked by bearings, and the lower pressure roller 214 and the second extrusion frame 534 are connected and rotatably linked by bearings.

[0087] The upper drive 522 may include a screw coupled to the first extrusion frame 532 to move the first extrusion frame 532 to change the position of the upper pressure roller 212. That is, a drive motor may be provided in the upper part of the housing 510, and the first extrusion frame 532 may be moved vertically by means of the rotation of the screw of the drive motor to change the position of the upper pressure roller 212.

[0088] The lower driver 524 may include a compression cylinder coupled to a second compression frame 534 to move the second compression frame 534 to change the position of the lower pressure roller 214. The compression cylinder may be provided on both sides of the lower pressure roller 214 (e.g., left and right sides) to compress the lower pressure roller 214 toward the upper pressure roller 212.

[0089] The distance adjustment unit 500 may include a bending correction unit 600 configured to adjust the bending of the upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the bending action of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] refer to Figures 1 to 6 According to this embodiment, the bending correction unit 600 can provide reverse pressure on the two edges (e.g., the left edge and the right edge) of the upper pressure roller 212 and the two edges of the lower pressure roller 214, and can provide reverse pressure in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction of each of the upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214 (e.g., the Z-axis direction and the negative Z-axis direction).

[0092] As an example, the bending correction unit 600 may include: a first reverse pressure frame 610 provided on the edge of the upper roller 212; a first reverse pressure cylinder 620 provided between the first reverse pressure frame 610 and the housing 510, and providing reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the upper driver 522 (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction); a second reverse pressure frame 630 provided on the edge of the lower roller 214; and a second reverse pressure cylinder 640 provided between the second reverse pressure frame 630 and the housing 510, and providing reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the lower driver 524.

[0093] A first reverse pressure frame 610 can be provided at the outermost edges of the two edges of the upper pressure roller 212, and a second reverse pressure frame 630 can be provided at the outermost edges of the two edges of the lower pressure roller 214. Additionally, a first reverse pressure cylinder 620 can be provided between the upper end of the housing 510 and the first reverse pressure frame 610, and can provide reverse pressure in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction via an upper driver 522; and a second reverse pressure cylinder 640 can be provided between the lower end of the housing 510 and the second reverse pressure frame 630, and can provide reverse pressure in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction via a lower driver 524.

[0094] The upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214 can be bent into a crown shape by the first reverse pressure cylinder 620 and the second reverse pressure cylinder 640.

[0095] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the bending correction section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] refer to Figure 7 The bending correction unit 700 according to this embodiment may include: a first reverse pressure frame 710 provided on the edge of the upper pressure roller 212; a second reverse pressure frame 720 provided on the edge of the lower pressure roller 214; and a reverse pressure cylinder 730 provided between the first reverse pressure frame 710 and the second reverse pressure frame 720, and providing extrusion force to the first reverse pressure frame 710 and the second reverse pressure frame 720 in opposite directions.

[0097] That is, the upper driver 522 and the lower driver 524 can respectively press the upper roller 212 downward and press the lower roller 214 upward, and the reverse pressure cylinder 730 can be provided between the first reverse pressure frame 710 and the second reverse pressure frame 720, and can cause the first reverse pressure frame 710 and the second reverse pressure frame 720 to expand / contract vertically in two opposite directions to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of each of the upper driver 522 and the lower driver 524.

[0098] Figure 8 This is a view used to illustrate the changes in the shape of an electrode plate manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] refer to Figure 8 Typically, due to the structure of the roller pressing section 200, since the upper driver 522 and the lower driver 524 respectively press the edges of the upper roller pressing roll 212 and the lower roller pressing roll 214 to press the electrode plate 20, the edges of the electrode plate 20 are formed to have a thickness smaller than that of its central portion (e.g., the electrode plate is thicker in the middle than at the edges). To compensate for this, a first reverse pressure cylinder 620 and a second reverse pressure cylinder 640 are provided on the outermost sides of the upper roller pressing roll 212 and the lower roller pressing roll 214 to provide reverse pressure in the opposite direction to the pressing direction, such that the upper roller pressing roll 212 and the lower roller pressing roll 214 have a crown shape to allow the central portion and the edges of the electrode plate 20 to have a uniform thickness.

[0100] A method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0101] Figure 9 This is a configuration diagram of a method for manufacturing electrodes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] refer to Figures 1 to 10 The method for manufacturing electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a roundness measurement operation S100, a rolling operation S200, a thickness measurement operation S300, a matching operation S400, and a distance adjustment operation S500.

[0103] The electrode plate 20, conveyed by the conveying section 100 including the unwinder unit 110 and the winder unit 120, is guided by the guide roller 130 and rolled by the rolling section 200.

[0104] The unwinder unit 110 and the winder unit 120 can rotate synchronously with each other in the same direction and can convey the electrode plate 20 with a predetermined tension.

[0105] First, the roundness measuring unit 300 can measure the roundness of the pressure roller 210 to obtain a roundness profile (S100). The roundness measuring unit 300, which includes displacement sensors 310 installed on the left, center and right sides in the longitudinal direction of the upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214, measures the surface of the upper pressure roller 212 and the surface of the lower pressure roller 214 and collects data to obtain a roundness profile.

[0106] The roundness profile obtained as described above is transmitted to the controller 540.

[0107] After obtaining the roundness profile of the pressure roller 210, the pressure roller operation S200 of the pressure roller electrode plate 20 is performed. The pressure roller operation S200 is performed by vertically providing pressure on the electrode plate 20 by the upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214.

[0108] More specifically, since the upper surface of the electrode plate 20 is squeezed by the upper roller 212 driven by the upper driver 522, and the lower surface of the electrode plate 20 is squeezed by the lower roller 214 driven by the lower driver 524, the electrode plate 20 can be conveyed in one direction while being squeezed and rolled in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0109] Then, a thickness measurement operation S300 is performed to measure the thickness of the electrode plate 20 of the measuring roller.

[0110] In thickness measurement operation S300, the thickness measurement unit 400 measures the thickness of the electrode plate 20 in the width direction and obtains the thickness profile. The thickness measurement is performed by a thickness sensor 420 that reciprocates in the width direction of the electrode plate 20 as it passes through the measuring roller 410. That is, as... Figure 2 As shown, the thickness sensor 420 can move in the longitudinal direction of the measuring roller 410 and in the left-right direction in the width direction of the electrode plate 20 to measure the thickness of the edge and the thickness of the center portion of the electrode plate 20 and obtain the thickness profile.

[0111] More specifically, the thickness measurement operation S300 can be synchronized with the zero-point trigger signal of the encoder 320 of the roll forming roller 210. This is to obtain data with each rotation of the roll forming roller 210, and the controller 540 can accurately match the roundness profile with the thickness profile.

[0112] In addition, in thickness measurement, the thickness value in each region of the electrode plate 20, which is divided into multiple regions in the width direction, can be measured, and the difference between the average value in the edge region of the electrode plate 20 and the average value in the center region of the electrode plate 20 can be measured.

[0113] like Figure 5As shown, the electrode plate 20, with a length of 60 mm, is virtually divided into ten regions, and the thickness value in each region is obtained. The thickness profile can be obtained by measuring the average thickness values ​​of the first and second regions at the left edge, the ninth and tenth regions at the right edge, and the average thickness values ​​of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth regions at the center.

[0114] The thickness profile of the electrode plate 20 obtained as described above is transmitted to the controller 540.

[0115] After performing the thickness measurement operation S300, the matching operation S400 is performed. The matching operation S400 can be performed by the controller 540.

[0116] In the matching operation S400, the thickness measurement value of the electrode plate 20 and the roundness measurement value of the roller 210 are compared, and the gap between the upper roller 212 and the lower roller 214 can be controlled and corrected based on the matching data.

[0117] After performing the matching operation S400, the distance adjustment operation S500 is performed. In the distance adjustment operation S500, after the thickness measurement value of the electrode plate 20 and the roundness measurement value of the roller 210 are matched with each other, the roller 210 can be bent based on the matching data.

[0118] In the bending of the roller 210, a force is applied to the roller 210 in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of the roller 210 to bend the roller 210 into a crown shape, and the problem that the thickness of the edge of the electrode plate 20 is less than the thickness of the center portion can be solved.

[0119] More specifically, the bending of the roller 210 can be performed by providing a driver 520 at or on both edges of the roller 210 and pressing the roller 210 toward the electrode plate 20, and a reverse pressure cylinder provided outside the driver 520 and providing hydraulic pressure in the opposite direction to the pressing direction of the driver 520.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown, the bending of the roller 210 can be accomplished by the bending correction section 600.

[0121] Since the first reverse pressure cylinder 620 provides reverse pressure to the first reverse pressure frame 610 provided outside the first extrusion frame 532 in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction of the upper driver 522, the upper roller 212 can be bent into a crown shape. And since the second reverse pressure cylinder 640 provides reverse pressure to the second reverse pressure frame 630 provided outside the second extrusion frame 534 in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction of the lower driver 524, the lower roller 214 can be bent into a crown shape.

[0122] Because the upper pressure roller 212 and the lower pressure roller 214 are bent in opposite directions to have such Figure 8 The crown-shaped design shown solves the problem that the thickness of the edge of the electrode plate 20 is less than the thickness of the center portion, thereby minimizing the thickness difference of the electrode plate 20 in the width direction.

[0123] As described above, when performing a rolling process to increase the density of the coated portion after coating, since the roundness of the rolling roller 210 can be measured in advance and the gap of the rolling roller 210 can be controlled subtly and repeatedly over time based on the profile generated by combining thickness measurement data, the dispersion of the electrode plate 20 can be minimized, thereby increasing and homogenizing the density level.

[0124] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent defects from occurring when cells (e.g., battery cells) are assembled in a can.

[0125] According to this disclosure, when performing a rolling process for increasing the density of the coated portion after coating, the discrepancy of the electrode plates can be minimized because the roundness of each rolling roller is measured in advance and the gap between the rolling rollers can be precisely and repeatedly controlled over time based on the profile generated by combining the thickness measurement data of the electrode plate, thereby increasing and homogenizing the density level.

[0126] According to this disclosure, since the thickness of the center portion and the edge of the electrode plate can be uniform, defects can be prevented when the individual components are assembled in the can.

[0127] Regarding the extrusion process that increases the density of the coated portion after coating, due to the structure of the press, the rolling is performed by pressing the end portion of the extrusion roller. In this case, there is a common problem of forming thin edges.

[0128] In addition, the method of obtaining samples after rolling, manually measuring the samples and inputting correction values ​​has problems of reduced productivity and difficulty in real-time monitoring.

[0129] This disclosure aims to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing an electrode using the electrode manufacturing apparatus, which is capable of performing feedback control to correct the thickness of the rolled electrode plate based on data measured during a rolling process for increasing the density of the coated portion after coating, thereby minimizing the dispersion of the electrode plate, increasing the density, and allowing for density uniformity.

[0130] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the above description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0131] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on these embodiments.

[0132] Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.

[0133] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein. Although specific terminology has been used, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting. In some cases, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising: The rolling section is equipped with rolling electrode plates; A roundness measuring unit is provided on the roller pressing section to measure the roundness of each of a pair of rollers in the roller pressing section. A thickness measuring unit is located behind the rolling section and is configured to measure the thickness of the electrode plate. as well as A distance adjustment unit is configured to compare the measured value of the thickness measuring unit with the measured value of the roundness measuring unit to adjust the distance between the pair of pressure rollers.

2. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The roundness measuring unit includes multiple displacement sensors; and The plurality of displacement sensors face the roll gap between the pair of rolls.

3. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of displacement sensors are mounted on the left, center and right sides of each of the pair of pressure rollers in its longitudinal direction.

4. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the roundness measuring unit includes an encoder configured to measure the position of each of the pair of pressure rollers in its circumferential direction.

5. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness measuring unit comprises: A measuring roller supports the lower portion of the electrode plate and is configured to guide the electrode plate. as well as A thickness sensor, located above the measuring roller, is configured to measure the thickness of multiple regions of the electrode plate in the width direction of the electrode plate.

6. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the thickness sensor is movable in the width direction of the electrode plate.

7. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance adjustment unit comprises: An upper driver is configured to control the position of the upper pressure roller in the pair of pressure rollers; A lower driver is configured to control the position of the lower pressure roller in the pair of pressure rollers; as well as The controller is configured to match the measured value of the thickness measuring unit with the measured value of the roundness measuring unit to control the upper driver and the lower driver.

8. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the distance adjustment unit further comprises: shell; The first extrusion frame is vertically movable within the housing, and the upper pressure roller is rotatable on the first extrusion frame; as well as The second extrusion frame is located below the first extrusion frame, and the lower roller can rotate on the second extrusion frame.

9. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the upper drive includes a screw coupled to the first extrusion frame to move the first extrusion frame to change the position of the upper pressure roller.

10. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the lower driver includes an extrusion cylinder coupled to the second extrusion frame to move the second extrusion frame to change the position of the lower pressure roller.

11. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the distance adjustment unit further includes a bending correction unit configured to adjust the bending of the upper pressure roller and the lower pressure roller.

12. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bending correction section is located on both edges of the upper pressure roller and both edges of the lower pressure roller, and the bending correction section is configured to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of each of the upper pressure roller and the lower pressure roller.

13. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bending correction unit comprises: The first reverse pressure frame is located on the edge of the upper pressure roller; A first reverse pressure cylinder, located between the first reverse pressure frame and the housing, is configured to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of the upper actuator. A second reverse pressure frame is provided on the edge of the lower pressure roller; as well as A second reverse pressure cylinder, located between the second reverse pressure frame and the housing, is configured to provide reverse pressure in a direction opposite to the compression direction of the lower actuator.

14. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bending correction unit comprises: The first reverse pressure frame is located on the edge of the upper pressure roller; The second reverse pressure frame is located on the edge of the lower pressure roller; as well as A reverse pressure cylinder, located between the first reverse pressure frame and the second reverse pressure frame, is configured to provide compressive force to the first reverse pressure frame and the second reverse pressure frame in opposite directions.

15. A method for manufacturing an electrode, the method comprising: Measure the roundness of the roller pressing roller; The electrode plate is rolled by the roller to obtain the rolled electrode plate; Measure the thickness of the electrode plate formed by the roller pressing; Compare the thickness measurement of the electrode plate being rolled with the roundness measurement of the roll being rolled; as well as After comparing the thickness measurement of the roller-pressed electrode plate with the roundness measurement of the roller, the gap of the roller is adjusted based on the matching data of the thickness measurement of the roller-pressed electrode plate and the roundness measurement of the roller.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the thickness of the electrode plate used to measure the roll is synchronized with the zero-point trigger signal of the encoder of the roll.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein measuring the thickness of the electrode plate of the roll forming comprises: The roller-pressed electrode plate is divided into multiple regions in the width direction; Measure the thickness value in each of the plurality of regions; as well as The difference between the average thickness value in the edge region of the plurality of regions of the rolled electrode plate and the average thickness value in the center region of the plurality of regions of the rolled electrode plate is measured.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein adjusting the gap of the pressure roller comprises bending the pressure roller based on the matching data.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein bending the roller comprises applying a force in a direction opposite to the extrusion direction of the roller to bend the roller into a crown shape.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein bending the pressure roller further comprises: The roller is pressed toward the electrode plate by a driver at both edges of the roller; as well as Hydraulic pressure is provided in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction of the actuator by a reverse pressure cylinder outside the actuator.

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